Pramesh S Jain
An official of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) was allegedly assaulted by unidentified persons during a footpath encroachment clearance drive near the Shivajinagar Bus Stand on Tuesday,prompting the Karnataka government to promise stringent action against those responsible.
According to officials,Assistant Executive Engineer Madhav Rao was attacked while supervising the anti-encroachment operation conducted by GBA personnel.
The assailants allegedly obstructed the drive before assaulting the officer and fleeing the spot.
A complaint has been registered at the Commercial Street Police Station,and police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved.
Authorities are also probing whether the assault was linked to resistance against the ongoing footpath encroachment removal drive.
Reacting to the incident, Bengaluru Development Minister,Krishna Byre Gowda said he had directed the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and GBA officials to take stringent action against those responsible.
“I have instructed the Commissioner of Police and GBA officials.All those who have assaulted government representatives during the Safe Footpath Campaign will be arrested.
Assaulting public servants while they are implementing the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court is a serious violation of the law,” the minister said.
Byre Gowda asserted that the government stood firmly behind officials carrying out their duties in accordance with the law and warned that those attacking public servants would not be spared.
“The government stands solidly with officers discharging public duty as per law. We are taking exemplary action against those responsible,” he said, adding that he was personally monitoring the follow-up with the GBA and the police.
Further investigation into the assault is underway.
